2021 WLA Library Career Lab

Career Lab Home | Why Work in Libraries? | Panelist Biographies

A blue beaker set on a light blue and coral-colored background"Why Work in Libraries?" Panel

This special Library Career Lab event on Saturday, May 15 is FREE to all. Missed the live event? Watch the recording below!

When you picture a library, do you think of a warehouse of books with a shushing librarian? How about a librarian reading all day long? You may not know that libraries offer dynamic work environments, with jobs to suit your background, interests, and skills, whatever they are.

Are you interested in...

  • Research or making sense of data?
  • Helping people find answers?
  • Are you a tech whisperer or a natural teacher?
  • Planning events?
  • Preserving history and records?
  • Connecting with under-served communities?

Whether you’re a student, career changer, or a current library professional, this panel will help you envision your library career. You’ll learn about the different types of libraries and the wide variety of jobs within them.

The "Why Work in Libraries?" panel features:

  • Nancy Garrett, Teen Services Librarian, Seattle Public Library (Moderator)
  • Sara Jones, State Librarian, Washington State Library
  • Sara Peté, Community Outreach Librarian, Washington State Library
  • TuesD Chambers, Teacher Librarian, Seattle Public Schools
  • Brianna Hoffman, Executive Director, WLA; Project Coordinator, WebJunction

Interested in more Library Career Lab offerings? Please visit our main registration page. Contact the WLA Office if you have any questions.

Thank you to our Career Advisory Committee members Crystal Miller, JoLyn Reisdorf, Darcy Brixey, Marissa Rydzewski, Elizabeth Iaukea, and Emily Keller for their advice and consultation in the creation of this event!